Pardon the absence - we’ve been ravaged by COVID (despite being 3x vaxxed) and our olfactory sense has finally crossed the threshold—no longer feel like I’m smelling everything though a thick blanket. For our first wine back we chose a big one - 2008 Molise aglianico from @Lyle Fass - served cellar temp we’re able to pick up on some nuances - leather, tannin, medium finish, but not much else. Lovely to be drinking wine again and looking forward to full olfactory recovery. — 2 years ago
Pardon the water damaged label. Aromas of pepper, spice and fresh garden herbs. Almost like the garrigue aromas you get from a Southern Rhone red. Medium weight palate but M+ Intensity. Even though Hawkes Bay is home to probably New Zealand’s best Cabernets like Te Mata Coleraine it also produces excellent cool climate Syrah like this one. Not so special with Pinot Noir here which is grown by a few optimistic producers. Had another bottle on 7th February 2024 with similar notes. I love the pepper but it does need more mid palate fruit. I have a couple of bottles left. I can’t see the need for extended cellaring and will probably drink these in the next 12 to 18 months. — 2 years ago
Big and juicy, slight metallic nose. Dry yet balanced juice, not sweet but very balanced. — 3 years ago
Amazing red blend. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. It’s bold,earthy, and super supple. Love this wine. Thanks FirstLeaf!!! — 4 years ago
Pardon the label. A humidity malfunction in one of my wine fridges. Luscious and sweet on the front palate yet finishes dry with diminishing acid and an attractive acidic bitterness on the back palate. Quince, nectarine, peach and apricot with that moreish bitterness. A beautifully made new world Pinot Gris which is dangerously moreish. I will now open an Alsatian Pinot Gris to compare. I’m tipping the Dry River to prevail. — 2 years ago
2018 vintage. Cedar, plum, allspice, spearmint, graham cracker and burnt rubber (fleetingly) in the immediate nose that slants positively ancient without being musty. Medium-medium heavy body. Spicy cherry-plum combo on the rolling finish that thins out slightly body wise but throws in a slight, milk-chocolate texture gift. Intriguing for sure. Not as rustic and playful as the 2017 effort…this one is much more mysterious, less straightforward and supremely desirable/delicious. Drinking beautifully now and expecting no less for the next 15-20 years. Pardon the water spots...in too big a rush to crack this. — 2 years ago
Quintessential (pardon the pun) fish and chips with mushy peas, UK style. Drinking a Chardonnay with this, and just popped the Quintessa, which is excellent. Lots of barrel toast on the nose and palate. Very suave presentation with prominent tannins. Pristine ripe cherry fruit profile. Depth and layers are here to stay. — 3 years ago
vickie
Purchased Total Wine — a month ago